Sanders Calls for Economic Hearings

The newly named Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, James Sanders, today called for citywide public forums on economic development issues to be held in the five boroughs.

Sanders said the "roundtable" forums would give the public a chance to express their thoughts and concerns on economic matters in their communities. In the wake of the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center, the city’s economy has been on a downturn.

The purpose of these forums is for the committee members to get a better understanding of how the city’s economic activity is affecting the different communities of the city.

"We are going to discuss the needs, wants, and wishes of the people of our city and we are going to take that discussion to every borough," said Sanders, who represents the 31st Councilmanic district in Queens. "We are going to have round table forums where committee members will be able to interact with local residents. We want to show them that we are listening to their concerns and we will address them."

The forums will be held monthly, with the first one to be held in February.

The Committee on Economic Development is comprised of nine council members. They are Chairman Sanders, Council members Dominick Recchia, who chairs the Subcommittee on Small Business, Retail & Emerging Industries; Angel Rodriguez, who chairs the Subcommittee on Revenue & Forecast, Yvette D. Clarke, who chairs the Committee on Fire & Criminal Justice Services; James Oddo, Diana Reyna, Eric N. Gioia, Alan J. Gerson, and Erik Martin Dilan.